The urgent flood aid and relief boats provided by the Australian Government for the community affected by floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka, were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy at the naval base SLNS Rangalla, Colombo yesterday (01/06).
Initially, the flood aid was handed over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ravi Karunanayake by the Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson. Subsequently, the Hon. Minister officially handed over the consignment of relief which included high-grade inflatable boats and outboard motors to the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne.
The occasion was also attended by; diplomats from Sri Lanka and Australia, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, Defence Advisor of the High Commission of Australia in Sri Lanka, Captain Jason Sears and a host of senior naval officers.
Extending further assistance in flood relief operations, the Australian Government yesterday (01/06) provided more flood aid to Sri Lanka with a view to intensifying the ongoing relief efforts. Accordingly 5 dinghies and same number of outboard motors have been air freight to Sri Lanka as flood aid.
Assistant Director, Disaster Management Centre, Mr. Nandana Kure and several senior naval officers were present at the Bandaranaiyake International Airport to receive the consignment. These boats are to be directed to assist flood victims and evacuate the public stranded in the Southern and Western Provinces.
